Strategic Communication (M.A.) (Accelerated Online)
M.A. Strategic Communication
Program Overview
The online M.A. in strategic communication equips students with the expertise to lead and innovate in any industry. Designed for working professionals, this accelerated, one-year program blends theory with hands-on application, preparing students to analyze communication challenges, develop strategies based on research and data, and craft impactful messages. Graduates will be ready to lead teams, navigate ethical complexities, and drive communication initiatives that support organizational success and public engagement.
Course Work
Students take a streamlined curriculum that includes coursework in organizational communication, research and leadership, as well as communication campaigns, social media strategy and crisis communication. Courses blend theory with hands-on application, preparing students to analyze communication challenges, develop strategies based in research and data, and craft impactful messages. Additionally, all students completing the degree are eligible to receive a certificate in corporate communication and training. All courses are asynchronous, can be completed in any order and follow a consistent format, ensuring that students can enter the program at any point in the year and successfully manage coursework alongside work and family commitments.
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.A. | Concentration Strategic Communication (Accelerated Online) | Hours 30 | Location Online |
For more information on online programs, certifications, and international restrictions, visit our Application Policy Information page.
Program Details
The M.A. in strategic communication is designed to give working professionals from various backgrounds the skills in communication, strategy, and training needed to become effective leaders and managers.
Program Mission
The goal of the M.A. in strategic communication is to provide students with essential strategic communication and leadership skills while maintaining the consistency and predictability of course offerings and expectations required by working professionals.
Career Options
The program’s emphasis on strategy, leadership, and training, paired with practical skills in social media, data analysis, and campaign planning, will prepare students for various roles, including communications, human resources, accounts, and creative. Students will be prepared to apply their skills in industries such as media and publishing, advertising, public relations, technology, healthcare, and higher education.
Program Faculty
Program faculty have won university and industry awards for their teaching, research and professional work. Faculty members bring expertise in advertising, digital media, journalism, persuasion, organizational communication, and training and development. All program faculty are full-time professors, not adjuncts or per-course faculty.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
| Term | Part of Term | Deadline | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | First 8 Weeks | August 15 | August 25 |
| Fall | Second 8 Weeks | September 30 | October 14 |
| Spring | First 8 Weeks | January 6 | January 20 |
| Spring | Second 8 Weeks | February 24 | March 10 |
| Summer | First 8 Weeks | TBD | TBD |
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international webpages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 100 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 68 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 7 overall and a minimum individual module scores of 6.5
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- A statement of purpose (approximately 500 words) describing your background, career goals, and what you hope to achieve by completing the program.
Review important information about documents.